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Forbes magazine came out with its annual financial ranking of NFL franchises and the 49ers placed 17th in overall value at an estimated $990 million. In revenue, the team’s 234 million last year was 27th with Atlanta, St. Louis, Detroit, Minnesota, and Oakland ranking lower in that order.

Dallas had the highest contract value ($1.850 billion) and the most revenue ($406 million). The 49ers ranking in operational profit from last season ($1.5 million, which ranks 30th) make the team a small market franchise and the new collective bargaining agreement will increase the financial disparity between small and big market clubs.

Last year, big market teams paid out $220 million to small market teams. This year that figure will drop to $50 million to $100 million because of the new CBA, and by the end of the two year agreement, there will be no payouts to small market clubs.

That’s why a new stadium and playoff seasons are so important to this team, so they can climb out of their small-market status and at least reach the middle tier.

The figures also dispel a perception that the 49ers spend less than the Raiders. Despite being the lowest revenue producing team ($217 million), the Raiders made $23 million in operational profit. The 49ers made only $1.5 million.